Step-by-Step Process to Link PAN and Aadhaar

Step 1: Visit the Official Income Tax Portal

Click here to the official government website:

This is the only legitimate site for PAN Aadhaar services.

Step 2: Check Your Linking Status

1. On the page, select ‘Link Aadhaar Status’
2. Enter your PAN and Aadhaar number
3. Click ‘View Link Aadhaar Status’ and proceed.

You will see one of the following:

• Already Linked → You’re good to continue your Samco KYC
• Linking Pending (already submitted) → Wait for approval (usually takes 7–10 days)
• Not Linked → Follow 4 steps given below of link PAN & Aadhaar

Step 3: Proceed to Link PAN & Aadhaar

If not linked, select ‘Link Aadhaar’ and follow the instructions:

1. Enter your PAN, Aadhaar, and mobile number
2. Confirm that all details match your Aadhaar
3. You may be asked to pay a government fee (₹1,000 as per IT rules)
4. Complete OTP verification

Once submitted, your request will be processed by the Income Tax Department.

Final Step: Wait for Approval

After submission, linking typically takes up to 7 days. You can revisit the same page to recheck the status anytime.

The post Everything You Should Know About how to Link Your PAN with Aadhaar first appeared on Support | Samco.

“This stock is in the F&O ban period.” Suddenly, your new orders get blocked and confusion starts.

So what exactly is the F&O ban period? Why does it happen? And what should you do as a trader? Let’s understand this in simple, real-world language.

What Is the Ban Period?

The Ban period is a situation where you are not allowed to take any new trades in a particular stock. You can only close your existing positions.

In short:

• Exit is allowed
• Fresh entry is not allowed

This restriction is placed when trading in that stock becomes too crowded and risky.

Why Does a Stock Enter the Ban Period?

Every stock has a fixed maximum limit for how much it can be traded in Futures & Options. This limit is called the Market-Wide Position Limit (MWPL).

When 95% or more of this limit is already used, the stock automatically enters the F&O ban period.
This simply means: too many traders are already active in that stock, and the exchange wants to stop further risk.

Let’s say for ABC Futures, the exchange has fixed this rule:

ABC stock has a total F&O trading limit of 100 lots

• All traders together can take positions only up to these 100 lots
• During the day, when total open positions reach 95 lots
• That means 95% of the limit is used
• At this point, ABC stock enters the F&O ban period

What’s New in the Ban Rule? 

Earlier, the exchange only checked how many lots were open in Futures & Options.

Now, the system has become smarter. It measures real risk, not just quantity. This is done using a method called Future Equivalent Open Interest (FutEq OI).

The exchange does not just count how many trades you have. It checks how strong your trades are. This strength is called Future Equivalent (FutEq).

It simply means: “How much does your trade actually move the stock price?”

Different Trades = Different Power

Not every trade has the same power. See this:

• 1 Future lot
  → Full power
  → Moves exactly like the stock
  → So its FutEq = 1
  
• 1 Call Option (very strong / deep ITM)
  → Moves almost like a Future
  → So its FutEq is almost 1
  
• 1 Call Option (weak / OTM)
  → Moves very little
  → So its FutEq is much less than 1

So even if the number of lots is same, The real risk is different.

How Does Delta Affect the Ban Period?

Delta matters because the exchange no longer counts just the number of lots it now counts how powerful each lot is.

That “power” comes from delta, so delta decides how much your trade adds to the total market exposure, and that total exposure is what pushes a stock into the 95% ban limit.

Think of it like this:

• Future = Delta 1 → full weight
• Strong ITM Option = Delta near 1 → almost full weight
• Weak OTM Option = Delta near 0 → very little weight

Delta decides how much your position counts in the 95% limit.

• Higher delta = adds more to exposure = stock reaches ban faster
• Lower delta = adds less = stock reaches ban slowly

This is why the exchange uses FutEq (delta-based) .In simple words, a stock enters the F&O ban period not just because of the number of trades, but because the total delta-based exposure becomes too high for the market to safely handle.

Penalties

When a stock enters the BAN period, exchanges closely monitor open positions. Even if no new trades are placed, actions taken on existing positions can lead to penalties. Below are two common scenarios explained for better clarity:

Scenario 1: Hedge Broken During BAN Period
If a client is holding a hedged position (for example, a buy and sell leg) and sells or exits only one leg of the hedge during the BAN period, the position may become unhedged.In such cases:

• The exchange may treat this as an increase in directional exposure during BAN.
• A BAN-period penalty may be levied by the exchange, which can range from a minimum of ₹5,000 up to ₹1,00,000 per day, as prescribed by exchange regulations.
• Any such penalty charged by the exchange will be borne entirely by the client.
• Additionally, open orders may be cancelled, and positions may be squared off to reduce risk.
• The penalty will continue to be charged for each day the position remains unhedged until the second leg of the hedge is closed.

Scenario 2: Hedge Maintained or Fully Closed
If the client does not take any action during the BAN period or exits both legs of the hedged position together, the hedge integrity is maintained or the exposure is fully reduced.In such cases:

• No incremental exposure is created during the BAN period.
• No BAN-period penalty is applicable, provided exchange guidelines are adhered to.

Conclusion

The F&O ban period is simply the market’s way of preventing risk from getting out of control. When too many positions pile up and exposure reaches 95% of the allowed limit, the exchange steps in and blocks new trades to keep things stable. With the new FutEq and delta-based calculations, exposure is tracked more accurately and more frequently, which means traders must stay alert and manage their positions responsibly. Understanding how limits work, how delta affects exposure, and what triggers a ban helps you avoid surprises, avoid penalties, and trade with more confidence.

The post Everything you should know about the F&O Ban Period? first appeared on Support | Samco.

What Is the Pre-Open Session?

Every morning from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM, futures will now have a short preparation window before the regular market begins.

During pre opening, you can:

• Place orders
• Modify orders
• Cancel orders

No trades are executed instantly. All orders are first collected and later matched to decide the official opening price of each contract.

Timing Snapshot

• 9:00–9:08 AM: Order entry, Modification and Cancellation
• 9:08–9:12 AM: Order matching & price discovery
• 9:12–9:15 AM: Buffer period
• 9:15 AM: Regular trading starts

Which Futures Are Applicable For This?

The pre-open session will apply to:

• Current-month stock futures
• Current-month index futures

Also, during the last five trading days before expiry, next-month futures will be included as well.

The session will not apply to:

• Options
• Far-month futures
• Spread contracts
• Futures of stocks undergoing a corporate action on that day

How Will the Opening Price Be Decided?

Here’s the process:

• All orders placed between 9:00 AM and 9:08 AM are collected.
• The system identifies a single price where maximum buy and sell orders can match.
• This becomes the opening price for that futures contract.

If several prices qualify, the one with the smallest order imbalance is picked. If that still ties, the price closest to the previous day’s close is used.

If no match is found in this session, the first trade in the regular market sets the opening price.

Unmatched limit orders move forward into the normal session, while unmatched market orders convert into limit orders at the opening price. If no equilibrium price is discovered, market orders move at the base price (previous day’s closing).

You can read the exchange circular here

The post NSE Introduces a Pre-Open Session for Futures: A Quick Breakdown for Traders first appeared on Support | Samco.

This blog provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the process of activating additional trading segments

Step 1: Log In to Samco Star Back Office

• Start by heading over to the official Samco Star Back Office portal.
• Use your Samco credentials to log in.

Note: The credentials for the Samco Star Back Office and the Samco Mobile App are different.For Star Back Office, the password can either be your PAN number or the password you have set specifically for the Back Office.

Step 2: Verify with OTP

After entering your login details, click on  Send OTP.
You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or email ID.
Enter the OTP

Note: The OTP is valid for 10 minutes, so make sure to enter it promptly

Step 3: Access Your Account Settings

Once you’re logged in:

• Look to the top-right corner of your screen.
• Click on your Account Holder Name.
• A dropdown menu will appear.
• From the dropdown, select  Account Settings to proceed.

Step 4: Choose the Modification Option

In the Account Settings section:

• Look for the  Modify Now  button and click on it

Step 5: Select  Segment Addition  from the Dropdown

• A dropdown menu will appear with various modification options.
• From the list, choose the option labeled  Segment Addition to proceed with activating additional trading segments.

Step 6: Choose the Segment  to Activate

Go to the Segment Addition section under Account Settings.

You’ll see two sections:

• Active Segments – shows segments already enabled in your account.
• Inactive Segments – lists the segments available for activation (e.g., DERIVATIVES (F&O), Currency, Commodity).

Tick the checkbox next to the desired segment.

Click the Submit button to proceed with your activation request.

Step 7: Income Proof Verification via OTP or Upload

After selecting your desired segment(s) and clicking Submit, the system will verify your eligibility based on your Samco account holdings.

If you already have holdings in your Samco account:

You do not need to manually upload income proof. The system will automatically fetch the required details. Simply enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to verify and proceed.

If you do not have any holdings in your Samco Account:

You will be prompted to upload income proof. From the dropdown, choose one of the following valid documents:

• Bank statement (last 6 months)
• Income Tax Return (ITR) of the last financial year
• Form 16 of the last financial year
• Latest Salary Slip
• Demat Statement from another demat account

After uploading the document, click Done to proceed with activation.

Step 8: Track Your Request via the Modification Status Panel

Once you’ve submitted your date of birth update request along with the necessary documents, it will enter the verification process. To stay informed about the progress, simply navigate to the ‘Modification Status’ tab in your Samco STAR Back Office.

Here, you’ll find real-time updates on whether your request is under review, approved or rejected. 

Note: The Turnaround Time (TAT) for modification completion without deficiencies is up to 48 working hours after submitting the request successfully.

The post How to Activate a New Trading Segment in Samco Star Back Office first appeared on Support | Samco.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you complete your nominee registration with ease.

Step 1: Access the Samco Star Back Office

To begin, visit the Samco Star Back Office portal and log in with your Samco credentials

Note: The credentials for the Samco Star Back Office and the Samco Mobile App are different.For Star Back Office, the password can either be your PAN number or the password you have set specifically for the Back Office.

Step 2: Verify with OTP

After entering your login details, click on Send OTP.
You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or email ID.
Enter the OTP

Note: The OTP is valid for 10 minutes, so make sure to enter it promptly

Step 3: Navigate to Account Settings

After logging in, you’ll arrive at your personal dashboard  a secure area where you can manage and update your account settings.

Now that you’re inside the portal:

• Click on your profile name located in the upper right-hand corner.
• From the dropdown, select ‘Account Settings’.

Step 4: Choose the Modification Option

In the Account Settings section:

• Look for the  Modify Now button and click on it.

Step 5: Select  Add  Nominee 

In the dropdown list of modification services, choose the option labeled  Add Nominee. 

Step 6: Fill in Nominee Details 

In the nominee addition form, enter the following details:

• Nominee Name, Relationship, and Mobile Number
• Email ID and Date of Birth
• Share of Nominee (%) – If you’re adding one nominee, enter 100%
• Tick the box if you want the nominee name to appear on your statement
• Check the option if the nominee’s address is the same as yours

Next, choose the Document Type for identity verification options include:

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving License

After entering all details correctly, click Submit to proceed

Step 7: Provide Nominee Address Details

After submitting the nominee’s personal information, you’ll be prompted to fill in their address.

• If the nominee’s address is the same as yours, simply tick the checkbox labeled Nominee address is the same as my address. This will automatically copy your address to the nominee’s section.
• If the nominee has a different address, you will need to manually fill in all the mandatory fields:
  • Address Line 1, 2, and 3
  • Pincode
  • City
  • State
  • Country

Ensure that all the information entered is accurate, as this will be used for identity and communication purposes.

Once the address details are filled correctly, click Submit to complete the nominee registration process.

Step 8: E-sign or Aadhaar Verification

After filling the details for your modification request, you will be redirected to begin the Aadhaar e-sign process.

• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number in the designated box.
• Click on Submit to proceed.

Step 9: Consent and Authentication Page

• You will be redirected to the Truecopy Credentials Pvt. Ltd. e-sign authorization page.
• Read the consent terms carefully.
• Check the box: I hereby authorize… 
• Enter your Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID (VID) in the field provided.
• Click on Send OTP.

Note: Ensure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar to receive the OTP.

Step 10: Enter OTP to Verify

• You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Enter the OTP in the field labeled  ENTER OTP.
• Click on Verify OTP.
  

Step 11: Track Address Modification Status

After successfully completing the Aadhaar e-Sign, your modification request will be sent for verification.

• To check the progress, go to the  Modification Status section in the Samco Star Back Office.

Note: The Turnaround Time (TAT) for modification completion without deficiencies is up to 48 working hours after submitting the request successfully.

The post How to Add a Nominee in Samco Star Back Office first appeared on Support | Samco.

Changing your primary bank account ensures that all your future fund withdrawals are processed to the correct bank. Let’s walk you through the process.

Step 1: Access the Samco Star Back Office

To begin, visit the Samco Star Back Office portal and log in with your Samco credentials

Note: The credentials for the Samco Star Back Office and the Samco Mobile App are different.For Star Back Office, the password can either be your PAN number or the password you have set specifically for the Back Office.

Step 2: Verify with OTP

After entering your login details, click on Send OTP.
You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or email ID.
Enter the OTP

Note: The OTP is valid for 10 minutes, so make sure to enter it promptly

Step 3: Navigate to Account Settings

After logging in, you’ll arrive at your personal dashboard in a secure area where you can manage and update your account settings.

Now that you’re inside the portal:

• Click on your profile name located in the upper right-hand corner.
• From the dropdown, select ‘Account Settings’.

Step 4: Choose the Modification Option

In the Account Settings section:

• Look for the Modify Now button and click on it.

Step 5: Select Make Secondary Bank as Primary Bank 

In the dropdown list of modification services, choose the option labeled Make Secondary Bank as Primary Bank. 

This option allows you to change your default bank for fund withdrawals by selecting an already linked secondary bank account and making it your new primary bank.

Step 6: Choose Your Secondary Bank as Primary Bank and Upload Proof

You’ll now see a screen displaying your existing Primary Bank Details and Secondary Bank Details side by side.

• Review the secondary bank account you wish to set as primary.
• Upload a valid bank proof document (such as a cancelled cheque or bank statement) using the  Choose File option.
• Once done, click on Submit to initiate the request.

Note: You can upload your documents in any of the following accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, JPG, or PDF.

Step 7: E-sign or Aadhaar Verification

After uploading the documents for your modification request, you will be redirected to begin the Aadhaar e-sign process.

• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number in the designated box.
• Click on Submit to proceed.

Step 8: Consent and Authentication Page

• You will be redirected to the Truecopy Credentials Pvt. Ltd. e-sign authorization page.
• Read the consent terms carefully.
• Check the box: I hereby authorize… 
• Enter your Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID (VID) in the field provided.
• Click on Send OTP.

Note: Ensure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar to receive the OTP.

Step 9: Enter OTP to Verify

• You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Enter the OTP in the field labeled  ENTER OTP.
• Click on Verify OTP.
  

Step 10: Track Address Modification Status

After successfully completing the Aadhaar e-Sign, your modification request will be sent for verification.

• To check the progress, go to the Modification Status section in the Samco Star Back Office.

Note: The Turnaround Time (TAT) for modification completion without deficiencies is up to 48 working hours after submitting the request successfully.

The post How to Update Secondary Bank as Primary Bank in Samco Star Back Office. first appeared on Support | Samco.

Here’s how you can complete the update step by step.

Step 1: Log In to Samco Star Back Office

Visit the Samco Star Back Office Portal and log in using your Samco credential.

Note: The credentials for the Samco Star Back Office and the Samco Mobile App are different. For Star Back Office, the password can either be your PAN number or the password you have set specifically for the Back Office.

Step 2: Verify with OTP

• After entering your login details, click on Send OTP.
• You’ll receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or email ID.
• Enter the OTP

Note: The OTP is valid for 10 minutes, so make sure to enter it promptly

Step 3: Navigate to Account Settings

• Tap on your profile name located in the top-right corner of the screen.
• Select ‘Account Settings’ from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Choose the Modification Option

In the Account Settings section:

• Find and click on the Modify Now button.

Step 5: Select DOB Modification

• From the list of modifications, select ‘DOB Modification’.

This will open the request form where you can correct or update your DOB as per your official ID proof.

Step 6: Enter your updated date of birth details.

• Enter your current and new date of birth.
• Upload a valid PAN card showing the correct DOB 
• Click on Submit to raise the request.

Note: You can upload your documents in any of the following accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, JPG, or PDF.

Step 7: E-sign or Aadhaar Verification

After filling the details for your modification request, you will be redirected to begin the Aadhaar e-sign process.

• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar Number in the designated box.
• Click on Submit to proceed.

Step 8: Consent and Authentication Page

• You will be redirected to the Truecopy Credentials Pvt. Ltd. e-sign authorization page.
• Read the consent terms carefully.
• Check the box:  I hereby authorize.
• Enter your Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID (VID) in the field provided.
• Click on Send OTP.

Note: Ensure your mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar to receive the OTP.

Step 9: Enter OTP to Verify

• You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
• Enter the OTP in the field labeled ENTER OTP.
• Click on Verify OTP.
  

Step 10: Track Your Request via the Modification Status Panel

Once you’ve submitted your date of birth update request along with the necessary documents, it will enter the verification process. To stay informed about the progress, simply navigate to the ‘Modification Status’ tab in your Samco STAR Back Office.

Here, you’ll find real-time updates on whether your request is under review, approved or rejected. 

Note: The Turnaround Time (TAT) for modification completion without deficiencies is up to 48 working hours after submitting the request successfully.

The post How to Update Your Date of Birth in Samco Star Back Office first appeared on Support | Samco.

• The settlement of funds and securities through quarterly settlement is an initiative by SEBI to safeguard the interests of investors/traders.
• SEBI has mandated all stockbrokers to return unutilized fund balances in the client’s trading account to their primary bank account.
• Free balance refers to the balance that remains unutilized with the stockbroker after considering any upcoming funds Pay-in obligation to the exchange for any trade done and 225% of margin after adjusting for any stocks that have been pledged as of the settlement date.
• If a customer has not traded over the previous 30 days, their funds balance will be credited back to their primary bank account registered with us.

Refer to the following link to check the SEBI circular of Securities & Commodities accounts.

• Securities circular
• Commodities circular

Scenario 1: Adding Funds on Friday, 2nd January 2026

If you add funds to your Samco account on Friday, 2nd January 2026, with the intention of using them for trading on Monday, 5th January 2026, here’s what will happen:

• Your trading account balance as of end of day on 2nd January 2026 (after deducting eligible retention amount)
• Will be transferred back to your linked bank account on 2nd and/or 3rd January 2026,
• As part of the Quarterly Settlement process.

Recommendation: To avoid funds being reversed, add funds on Sunday, 4th January 2026, so that they are available for uninterrupted trading from Monday, 5th January 2026.

Scenario 2: Funds Already Available in Your Account on Friday, 2nd January 2026

If you already have funds in your trading account on Friday, 2nd January 2026, and plan to trade using those funds on Monday, 5th January 2026.

• Any unutilised or excess credit balance, beyond the permitted retention,
• Will be returned to your linked bank account on 3rd January 2026,
• As per Quarterly Settlement norms.

Recommendation: To ensure smooth trading from Monday, 5th January 2026, we recommend adding funds again on Sunday, 4th January 2026.

Example:

• Assume you have ₹1 lakh in your account and have taken 5 lots of Nifty options (assume the margin for one lot of Nifty is ₹10,000), then ₹50,000 would be blocked from your account leaving you with a balance of ₹50,000.
• The Exchange allows a broker to block 2.25 times the margin it levies for the open position held by the client and after blocking this 2.25 times margin if there is any credit, it needs to be reversed.
• In the above example, 2.25 times ₹50,000 would be ₹1,12,500. Since the funds available in your account are only ₹1 lakh the broker need not make any refund and will mark your account as ‘retained’. Once the broker marks your account as retained, he is required to send you a statement explaining the basis for such retention.
• Say, instead of ₹1 lakh, you have ₹3 lakh in your account. In that case, after applying the 2.25 margin rule, the credit standing in your account will be ₹1,87,500 (₹3,00,000-₹1,12,500). This amount will be reversed & credited to your bank account.

Note: As per SEBI’s circular, brokers must settle all client accounts on the first Friday of every quarter—Q1 (Apr–Jun): 4th/5th Apr 2025, Q2 (Jul–Sep): 4th/5th Jul 2025, Q3 (Oct–Dec): 3rd/4th Oct 2025, Q4 (Jan–Mar): 2nd/3rd Jan 2026; if Friday is a trading holiday, settlement will be on the previous trading day (Thursday).

The post What is Quarterly Settlement of Funds & Securities? first appeared on Support | Samco.

Requesting a payout on the SAMCO App:

1. Login to your Samco Application.
2. Tap on your wallet icon given in the top right corner.
3. Click on “Withdraw” and enter the amount to place your payout request.

What is Quarterly Payout? 

As per SEBI Circular (MIRSD/SE/Cir 19/2009), stock brokers must periodically transfer any excess funds or securities from trading accounts back to clients’ bank accounts on a monthly or quarterly basis. Your trading account has been settled, and any excess funds have been successfully transferred to your registered bank account.

The post How to Request a Payout on the Samco App & Understanding Quarterly Payouts first appeared on Support | Samco.

If your funds are not reflected in your Samco account, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

• Transaction Failed: In case of transaction failure the payment made from your bank will not reflect in the Samco Trading platform.
• Unlinked Bank Account: The UPI ID is linked to a bank account that is not registered with Samco.

For funds to reflect correctly in your ledger, we recommend linking your bank account with Samco. Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to link this account, simply provide the corresponding cheque image of the unlinked account for verification. Once verified, we’ll initiate the necessary steps to process your refund.

How Long Does It Take for Funds to Reflect in My Samco Account?

UPI/Payment Gateway (Successful Transaction): Instant
UPI/Payment Gateway (In progress Transaction): 24 to 48 working hours
UPI/Payment Gateway (Failed Transaction): 4 to 5 working days

The post UPI Payment Not Reflecting and Payin TAT first appeared on Support | Samco.